Japan cabinet approves bill allowing emperor's abdication

(File pix) This January 2, 2015 file picture shows Japan's Emperor Akihito (second from right) and Empress Michiko (right) waving to well-wishers while Crown Prince Naruhito (second from left) and his wife Crown Princess Masako (left) look on during their new year greetings in Tokyo. The Japanese government on May 19, 2017 approved a one-off bill allowing aging Emperor Akihito to step down from the Chrysanthemum Throne in the first imperial abdication in two centuries. AFP Photo